Is Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s Last Hope, Afraid of Tinubu? By Kamal Rahman

  

In a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and widespread frustration, many citizens are looking toward the opposition for direction, leadership, and perhaps most importantly, courage. At the center of this expectation is Atiku Abubakar, often seen as the leading figure in the opposition. But recent developments raise a troubling question, where exactly is he when the country needs a loud, consistent voice?

 

Nigeria today faces realities that are difficult to ignore. Fuel prices have climbed to nearly ₦1,400 per litre, power supply remains unreliable across the nation, and insecurity continues to claim lives particularly in the North, Atiku’s own region. In moments like these, citizens naturally expect opposition leaders to speak up, mobilize, and challenge the status quo.

 

Yet,Waziri Atiku has appeared unusually quiet.

 

At a time when many expected strong statements, organized resistance, or even symbolic actions like protests, there has been little to suggest visible, consistent engagement from him. His recent trip to Mecca for pilgrimage, though personally significant, came at a time when many Nigerians felt the country was “on fire.” To critics, it reinforced the perception of distance rather than urgency.

 

This silence becomes even more striking when contrasted with the political style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his years in opposition. Long before he became president, Tinubu was a constant presence in national discourse. He didn’t just criticize the government of Former President Goodluck Jonathan, he persistently challenged it. Through statements, mobilization, and coalition-building, Tinubu and his allies applied pressure that ultimately contributed to a historic shift in power.

 

Ironically, Atiku himself was part of that coalition that led to the rise of the All Progressives Congress. That movement demonstrated the effectiveness of a united, vocal opposition. It showed that power doesn’t just change through elections, it shifts through sustained pressure, visibility, and strategic engagement.

 

Which brings us to the present reality. If Atiku was part of that successful opposition playbook, why does it now seem absent in his current political approach? Why does the opposition, particularly within platforms like the African Democratic Congress, appear less coordinated and less forceful?

 

This leads to a more uncomfortable question, one that many Nigerians are beginning to ask: is Atiku holding back out of caution, or is there something deeper? Could it be that he is reluctant to directly confront Tinubu? Or is his silence a reflection of a long-standing relationship between both men, one that tempers political aggression?

 

Politics, after all, is not just about rivalry, it is also about alliances, history, and personal connections. Atiku and Tinubu have operated within overlapping political circles for decades. It is possible that this familiarity breeds restraint. But in times of national difficulty, should personal history outweigh public responsibility?

 

Ultimately, leadership especially in opposition is measured not just by ambition, but by action. Nigerians are not merely looking for candidates; they are looking for advocates. Voices that will echo their struggles, challenge authority, and present clear alternatives.

 

If Atiku Abubakar hopes to be seen as a viable solution for Nigeria’s future, then silence may not be an option. The moment demands more presence, more courage, and more visible leadership.

 

Because in the end, the question is not just whether he is the man to save Nigeria but whether he is willing to fight for it now.